Big turnout expected for 'Puppy Doe' vigil

Friday

Nov 8, 2013 at 5:48 PM

By Linda Bock, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

NORTHBORO — Organizers of a vigil for Kiya, the dog that became nationally known as "Puppy Doe," are anticipating a large turnout for the event, planned for 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Ellsworth-McAfee Park, Route 135, and are asking participants to plan accordingly.

Kiya, a pit bull dubbed "Puppy Doe," was found in a park in Quincy last month. She had been brutally tortured and left for dead. Because her injuries were so extensive, she was euthanized. Authorities solicited the public's help in finding the perpetrator, and soon after arrested a man who faces 11 counts of animal cruelty.

"Due to the egregious nature of the abuse suffered by Kiya and the attendant public outrage, the event, which police were originally told would draw 40-50 participants is now anticipated to be far larger than originally indicated, drawing several hundred participants at a minimum," Northboro Police posted on their Facebook page.

Word of the vigil has spread quickly. Pet Rock Fest Inc., MetroWest Realtor Lyn Gorka and local animal advocate and artist Cathy Staniunus posted an invitation to the vigil on Facebook, and as of early Friday afternoon, 277 people had responded that they would attend.

Police said their primary concerns are parking and lack of lighting at that time of day in the park, so they are encouraging people to share rides and to carry flashlights. There are spaces for about 150 cars at the park.

"Participants are strongly encouraged to car pool," police posted on Facebook. "When the parking lot is full, the park entrances will be closed to vehicles. The park and parking lot is not lighted."

The sun sets about 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

No large or commercial vehicles will be permitted inside the park.

The vigil is being held in the area of the pavilion structure just inside the main park entrance on the left. No alcohol will be permitted.

Organizers are also reminding people that the only bathroom facilities at the site are two portable toilets near the pavilion. All dogs must be on a leash, and canine waste removal/disposal is required.

Pet Rock Fest is an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership.

"It is our hope that guests and visitors to this event respect the organizers' intention that this is a brief vigil in remembrance of Kiya," police said. "Upon completion of the vigil program, the park will close to the public for the night."